A MAN who caused thousands of pounds of damage at King George's Hall in Blackburn because he wanted to go to prison eventually got his wish.

Blackburn magistrates heard Luke Jason Faller smashed £1,500 worth of windows on Wednesday morning and appeared in court that afternoon.

He was made subject to a community order but as soon as he was released went the short distance to the public hall and smashed windows worth £1,000.

"What he really wants is to be sent to prison," said Jonathan Taylor. "He has made it very clear that if he is released again he will do the same again."

Faller, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay £115 compensation on release.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were called to the halls on Wednesday and Faller told them he wanted to go back to prison. He was made subject to a community order that afternoon and was arrested again after committing the latest offence just hours later.

"This was deliberate damage to a public amenity and the level of damage is quite significant," said Miss Allan.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Faller had never had a chance in life after being moved from care home to care home.

"His mother was a chronic alcoholic and while he has tried to rebuild a relationship with her that has brought its own problems," said Mr Taylor.

"He believes his mother does not have long to live and he has found it very difficult."